The recent emotional rollercoaster of Second Master Jiang could be described as extreme ups and downs.
Ever since Prince Yan became the Crown Prince, he had gained considerable face among his colleagues. When his eldest son achieved excellent results in the autumn imperial examinations, his prestige soared even higher.
When the news of success in the spring imperial examinations of the following year arrived, the East Ping Earl’s residence was filled with jubilation. Old Madam Feng distributed a generous amount of celebratory money, and Second Master Jiang walked with a spring in his step.
Who would have thought that amidst such glory, like flowers adorned with brocade or oil added to a raging fire, Jiang Cang would fall from his horse on his way back from the Qionglin Banquet and break his leg?
The newly minted jinshi scholar had become disabled, forever barred from an official career.
Second Master Jiang’s mood plummeted from the clouds to rock bottom.
No matter how well others fared, nothing compared to the bright future of one’s son.
To see his eldest son’s promising career slip away just as it was within reach was more painful than having his heart carved out.
Even worse than Second Master Jiang’s mood was Jiang Cang’s.
Three years ago, Jiang Cang had been depressed for a long time when illness affected his performance in the imperial examinations. Now, having finally pulled himself together and achieved his first major life goal, he was like an eagle with full-grown wings suddenly having them broken, his future destroyed.
The blow Jiang Cang received was unimaginable. From the day he broke his leg, he never left his room.
“Master, it’s terrible. The Young Master has been drinking and causing trouble again…” A servant from Jiang Cang’s courtyard hurriedly came to report.
Second Master Jiang rushed over with a gloomy face. Before entering the room, he could already smell the strong scent of alcohol.
Inside was chaos.
“Let go of me! Let go!”
“Young Master, you can’t bang your head against the wall. What if you hurt yourself?”
“What difference does it make if I live or die in this wretched state? Let go!”
Second Master Jiang strode in, surveying the mess on the floor, and said sternly, “Let him go!”
The two maids desperately restraining Jiang Cang heard Second Master Jiang’s order and secretly sighed in relief.
Sharp objects like scissors had long been removed from the room, fearing the Young Master might harm himself in a drunken rage. Who would have thought he’d try to bang his head against the wall? It was impossible to guard against everything.
Jiang Cang’s expression was numb, showing no reaction to Second Master Jiang’s presence.
Second Master Jiang quickly walked over and slapped Jiang Cang across the face.
The crisp sound of the slap startled the servants in the room.
Jiang Cang’s hazy eyes gained some clarity as he stared directly at Second Master Jiang.
Second Master Jiang’s face reddened with anger. “Enough! How long do you intend to wallow in this degradation?”
“Degradation?” Jiang Cang rolled his eyes and pointed at himself with a bitter smile. “Father, what else can I do in this state but degrade myself? I’m useless now!”
Jiang Cang burst into tears. “I’m a cripple now. Isn’t degradation fitting for a cripple? Do you expect me to start over like I did three years ago?”
Second Master Jiang’s heart ached to hear this, but he had to be harsh to wake his son up. “You pursued the imperial examinations because you had the talent for it. In reality, few sons of nobility and officials take this path. Now that this road is blocked, does that mean you should just give up on life? So what if your legs are a bit inconvenienced? Your uncle lost a hand saving the Duke of An’guo years ago, but he still became the Earl of East Ping.”
Jiang Cang laughed bitterly. “How can I compare to Uncle? He had a title to inherit. What do I have? If I can’t enter officialdom through the examinations, should I be content as a lifelong sinecure official without any achievements?”
Sons of nobility were numerous. Apart from the eldest son who could inherit the title and enjoy prestige, others could only hope for a decent position. Unless they had extraordinary opportunities, their lives would remain ordinary.
How could that compare to entering officialdom through proper examinations, and with family support, climbing step by step to the highest positions?
Second Master Jiang sent away the servants and said with a glint in his eye, “Cang’er, who says you have no title to inherit?”
Jiang Cang was stunned. “What do you mean, Father?”
“Foolish boy, our Jiang family is now part of the imperial clan. Times have changed. Even without the path of imperial examinations, there are countless opportunities for great power.”
“Fourth Sister isn’t close to our branch of the family,” Jiang Cang mumbled.
Second Master Jiang sneered, “No matter how distant she is, she’s still a Jiang. Others only know that a Jiang woman became Empress. In the future, whatever we want to do, countless people will offer money and support of their own accord.”
Jiang Cang remained silent.
Second Master Jiang continued, “Let’s not talk about distant matters. Your Fourth Sister has become Empress, and according to custom, the imperial clan should be granted titles. Do you think your uncle can hold two titles by himself?”
“Father—” Jiang Cang’s lips moved.
Second Master Jiang patted his shoulder. “Buck up. You’re the eldest son of our branch. You have younger brothers. You can’t fall apart!”
A glimmer of light gradually appeared in Jiang Cang’s eyes.
If he could inherit a title, perhaps the future wasn’t so bleak after all…
Second Master Jiang left and headed straight for Cixin Hall.
Jiang Cang was Old Madam Feng’s most valued grandson. This incident, coupled with the rampant rumors about deposing the Crown Princess, had greatly affected Old Madam Feng, leaving her bedridden for days. Fortunately, the good news of Emperor Jingming abdicating in favor of the Crown Prince revived her spirits.
With her granddaughter ascending to the position of Empress, the disappointment of her eldest grandson losing his prospects seemed less significant.
There were still several grandsons left. If one lost his way, there were others.
When Second Master Jiang saw Old Madam Feng, he was surprised to find her looking quite rosy-cheeked, which made his chest tighten inexplicably.
“Do you have something to discuss?” Old Madam Feng was still amiable towards her second son.
In her heart, the second son was the one with real ability; the eldest had merely stumbled upon good fortune.
“Mother, has there been any news from the palace about conferring a title on Elder Brother?”
Old Madam Feng glanced at Second Master Jiang.
Second Master Jiang sighed. “I fear that if Cang’er continues like this, he’ll be completely ruined. If he were just shutting himself away in misery, that would be one thing, but if he ends up like the Duke of An’guo’s youngest son, spending his days loitering by the Jinshui River, wouldn’t our Earl’s residence become a laughingstock?”
Old Madam Feng understood Second Master Jiang’s meaning. After some thought, she said, “I’ll find a way to expedite this matter. Don’t be impatient.”
After much consideration, Old Madam Feng decided to send Jiang Yi to make the request.
Jiang Yi couldn’t refuse her grandmother’s wishes and had to make a trip to the palace.
When Jiang Si heard Jiang Yi explain her purpose, she couldn’t help but smile. “I’ve kept this matter in mind. Tell Grandmother not to worry.”
Having received this assurance, Jiang Yi boarded her green-curtained carriage and left the imperial palace.
The carriage traveled smoothly back to the East Ping Earl’s residence. As they passed a certain spot, Jiang Yi unconsciously lifted a corner of the curtain.
Outside, the green willows swayed, but the bamboo-green figure from that day was nowhere to be seen.
Jiang Yi lowered the curtain and smiled bitterly.
After the court was dismissed, Yu Jin heard Jiang Si mention Jiang Yi’s visit to the palace and couldn’t help but sneer. “Since they’re so impatient, I’ll grant their wish.”
Jiang Cang’s fall from his horse was his doing for Ah Si’s sake. Yet they still dared to ask him for a title? They must be dreaming.
The next day, an imperial edict was issued. Since East Ping Earl Jiang Ancheng already held a title, he would not be granted another title of Cheng’en Earl, but instead would be promoted to East Ping Marquis.
Second Master Jiang knelt on the ground, the smile on his face freezing before it could fade. He remained motionless even after the imperial messenger had left.
Although Old Madam Feng felt sorry for her second son’s branch of the family, she could accept this outcome. Seeing Second Master Jiang’s state, she reminded him, “Second Son, you may rise now.”
Second Master Jiang still didn’t respond.
“Help the Second Master up.”
Just as a servant touched the hem of Second Master Jiang’s robe, he suddenly collapsed.
Old Madam Feng’s face changed dramatically. “Second Son, what’s wrong?”
Second Master Jiang had suffered a stroke.
When the news reached the new Emperor’s ears, he was very considerate and allowed Second Master Jiang to rest and recuperate.
From then on, Second Master Jiang’s figure never appeared in official circles again.
However, later on, a new figure appeared frequently by the Jinshui River—a dissolute young man with a slight limp who often drank himself into a stupor. It was said he was the son of a marquis, but no one knew if this was true or false.